Paul Weller – When Your Garden’s Overgrown

May 27, 2012

4/5

What’s this?

Paul Weller is a man who needs no introduction, but just in case you’ve been living in an alternative universe for the past few decades, here you go: former frontman of The Jam, the Modfather, the granddaddy of Britpop, national treasure…the list goes on. ‘When Your Garden’s Overgrown’ is the third single to be released from his eleventh solo album, the critically acclaimed Sonik Kicks.

What’s it sound like?

Whilst several of Weller’s contemporaries seem to be resting on their laurels, relying on the current wave of popular nostalgia, ‘When Your Garden’s Overgrown’ sees him continue with momentum gained during his ‘return to form’ albums 22 Dreams and Wake Up The Nation.

The track highlights Weller’s evergreen sense of melody and impeccable eye for radio-friendly single. Harnessing his more psychedelic influences with well textured acoustic guitars, the chorus is very, very catchy. Featuring fellow godlike-genius Noel Gallagher on bass and backing vocals,it is a reminder of how lucky we are that Mr. Weller is still producing new music of this quality, and not embarking on a 1000-date Jam “Greatest Hits” tour. (Actually, that sounds quite good.)

Is there a music video?

Unfortunately not, but here’s a great live version:

What’s the final verdict?

As I write this, listening to that pinnacle of modern music, the Eurovision Song Contest (The Hump, what a legend!/He is 76, what did you expect?/Who? [delete as appropriate]), ‘When Your Garden’s Overgrown’ proves a timely reminder that Britain does produce excellent music, however much Eurovision/X Factor/The Voice may make us think otherwise.

Words by Andrew Bardsley

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